Your elderly father may have been at assisted living for a few weeks or a couple of months, but whether he’s only been there a matter of days or some length of time, is he meeting others? He may be shy and withdrawn, frustrated, or even frightened. Those are considered normal emotions, especially to major changes in life.
Moving to assisted living is a significant adjustment. Moving anywhere — even to a house that a person is exceedingly excited about — is considered one of the top stressors in life.
It may take some time for people to adjust to this new assisted living environment. However, if your elderly father is not getting out of his room to meet others, explore the various options available (to him), it could lead to a greater sense of isolation and frustration.
What can you do to help?
First, it’s important to analyze what has been happening in the days or weeks since he moved into assisted living for the first time. There may be things you or other loved ones have inadvertently done that could be making it more difficult for him to meet others.
Or, there may be certain things that might be giving him an excuse not to get out of his room. For example, are you or anyone else calling or stopping by to visit regularly? Are these calls or visits happening multiple times a day just to “check in on him?”
He might be clutching onto those phone calls, waiting with great anticipation, even not wanting to get out and miss one of them.
It’s great to check in on somebody when they first make this transition, but avoid the temptation to call too much.
When you do talk to him, ask what activities he took part in.
Ask specific, pointed questions about the various activities or entertainment options that assisted living facility offers. He may not fully understand what’s going on or what activities are taking place, and this can give you an idea of just what he understands and knows about life at this facility.
If you can gather a list of the activities taking place on any given week, and you recognize some he might very well be interested in, point them out. Highlight what time they take place, and perhaps call him 30 minutes beforehand to remind him to check it out.
Too often it’s easy to remain in your room when you’re shy and withdrawn. But, other residents often share common interests and can be great resources for those seniors new to the assisted living lifestyle. They can also help as long as your elderly father can just open this door and start walking around, meeting his new community.
If you or an aging loved-one is considering a move to an Assisted Living Facility for Elderly Care in Marietta GA please contact the caring staff at Woodland Ridge today. 770-431-7055
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